BXA QCTP

[stevec]

On the subject, I decided that the knurling tool/toolholders that came with both my piston and wedge type QCTPs would better serve as toolholders, so I cut off the knurlers.

   
The bandsaw didn't protest too much so I figured I could machine the groove and drill and tap for the setscrews.

   
The HSS endmill had more trouble than the bandsaw so I used a carbide endmill on the second one and it went better (and faster)

Drilling and taping for the 10mm setscrews over the newly opened up part of the tool groove went fairly well.

   
I pilot drilled with a small drill then finished with the letter R drill for the 10mm tap.

I had to go to a harger tap holder to get the torque to turn the dull tap through the tough steel.

   

There was some squeeking and jerking and I really feared the dull tap might break. I'm ordering a new tap for the second toolholder.

Here's the finished shot of the first modified toolholder ready to go.

   

If I could get the $9.00 holders from Shars up here for that price it would definitely be worth it. I probably spent 2 hours on the modifications and still have yet to tap the second one.

Maybe making more toolholders out of softer steel will go faster, but for now I have 2 more holders and plan to use the knurls for a scissors type knurling tool.